Wonderful article in the Telegraph written by Fiona Duncan who stayed with us for four glorious days in September.

... "The creation of a young English couple, Amy and Neal Carter-James, Guludo Beach Lodge lies on a wonderful, untamed eight-mile long mainland beach within the Quirimbas National Park, the largest marine protected area in Africa, incorporating the southern islands and also a sizeable chunk of mainland coast and hinterland. Guludo, reached by speedboat or adventurous 4WD ride, stands as a beacon of socially responsible tourism. Local villagers constructed the whole place, including the nine very attractive guest bandas, using natural materials, from the floor tiles and basketwork windows to the compostable loos with views of sea and stars, and Heath Robinsonesque but effective hot-water showers.

"Locals make up the majority of the staff, some of whom are the beneficiaries of a scholarship programme begun by Nema, Guludo's associated charity, which has made major, visible improvements in education and health for these poorest of people.

"With paraffin lamps instead of electric lights and water in bottles instead of taps, we lacked for nothing in this eco-paradise. Everything, sometimes on a wing and a prayer, worked. The food was delicious and the beds were comfortable.

"We snorkelled and picnicked on uninhabited Rolas Island, watched for game from a lookout across a textbook African landscape, and toured Guludo village and its new school (courtesy of Nema) surrounded by giggling, bouncing children. Like the faces of many of the women, mine had been whitened with a paste made from the powdered bark of the inciro tree, used to moisturise the skin.

"Staying at authentic, inspiring Guludo, we felt pampered and rested, but also as if we were making an effective contribution...